We would like to introduce ourselves to you and your families, there are a lot of new faces and hopefully you and your loved one will feel at home very quickly.
Just a few faces…
Alan Wyngarden is the owner of the homes and our visionary to help create such fabulous homes for our residents from 2010 – present.
Alan has two boys and his wife. Alan loves to be outdoors, travel and explore. Skiing, hiking, gardening, and participating in walking marathons with his wife are some of his passions.
With secure units, dietitian-created meals, frequent activities, and care services specific to each resident, we invite you to feel at home at Applewood Our House.
Malou van Eijk has been with Applewood Our House from day one and instrumental in providing support and expertise across various aspects of Applewood Our House’s operations. From building new homes, marketing and family communication to financials and implementing new technology, Malou’s contributions have likely been valuable in enhancing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.
On a personal note, Malou is a family-oriented individual with two sons. One of her sons is married to Anna, and they have a son named Henry. It’s evident that family is important to Malou, and she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, including their two dogs.
Outside of work and family, Malou and her family have a shared passion for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and engaging in court sports. They also enjoy traveling and exploring new experiences together, indicating a spirit of adventure and a desire to create lasting memories.
Bridget Niemczura (in the center with her four kids) helps us as the Bookkeeper and sends out the invoices monthly by the 22nd of the previous month for payment for the following month.
Bridget has helped Applewood Our House since the first remodel and opening in 2010. Her favorite foods are shredded beef and beef burritos smothered in green chili, but not just any chili , and of course, pizza!
Bridget has four college and high school aged kids and says “Sadly, I don’t have time for hobbies. All I do is work, work, work, work,work (insert Rihanna song here). When I did have time in my previous life, I sang in a band, liked to read and sew and watch movies.”
FAQ
What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
We maintain two caregivers on every shift, 24/7. During daytime hours, we add a third team member focused on engagement and activities, and the House Manager is typically onsite on weekdays. We are fully staffed to support two-person transfers at all times.
How many caregivers are in the home 24/7?
There are always two caregivers inside the home, not shared across locations. At least one is QMAP-certified to administer medications, and one is CPR-trained every shift.
What dementia training do caregivers receive?
Our caregivers receive:
- In-person onboarding
- Online learning
- Hands-on training in the home
- Teepa Snow–based Positive Approach to Care techniques
All caregivers complete an additional 6 hours of dementia-specific training every year.
Who manages medications?
Medications are administered by our QMAP-certified team members, who have passed state testing and maintain active certification.
How do you handle falls or medical emergencies?
For urgent medical issues, we call 911 immediately when appropriate. We also partner with DispatchHealth for onsite urgent care visits.Behavioral or cognitive changes are reviewed with our rounding physician quickly.
How do you ensure safety at night?
We use bedside mat alarms, have awake overnight staff, and perform regular nighttime safety checks. Homes are designed to give caregivers clear visibility throughout the house.
Are meals cooked fresh in the home?
Yes. We use Grove Menus, a nutrition-based, family-style menu system. Our awake overnight team helps pre-prep meals for the next day. Alternative options are always available for residents who prefer a different meal.
What do daily activities look like?
We offer 2–3 structured activities every day, including:
- Morning exercise or Sittersize
- Creative activities or walks after lunch
- Evening games, movie nights, or mocktails
We focus on movement, joy, connection, and personalized engagement.
How often do residents receive showers, grooming, and laundry?
- Showers: 3 times per week, same schedule for consistency
- Laundry & Room Cleaning: Regularly scheduled and as needed
- Toileting & Grooming: Fully customized according to each resident’s care plan
Can I see your state inspection report?
Of course. We can provide it in print or online at any time.
How do you handle maintenance?
We have a dedicated maintenance professional who visits each home weekly. Urgent repairs are handled immediately.
How secure are the doors and backyard?
- Patio and backyard doors are alarmed
- Front door is secured by a code system
- Backyards are enclosed by a full 8-foot fence
What is your caregiver turnover rate?
We target 40% or lower, better than the industry’s 50% average. Much of our turnover comes from promotions, schooling, and career advancement, not job dissatisfaction.
How do you communicate with families?
We communicate however families prefer: phone, text, or email. For community-wide updates, we use Carefeed, which sends messages by both text and email.
Who is not a good fit for Applewood Our House?
We cannot safely support residents who are:
- Bedbound
- In need of skilled-nursing-level care
We complete a full assessment to ensure every resident is the right fit for the home.